10 Friday, November 8, 2024brooklintowncrier.com Donald (Don) G. Wick August 28, 1935 - October 23, 2024 written by Jennifer Hudgins The Brooklin community mourns the loss of Don Wick, who passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024, at the age of 89 at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa. Born in Toronto, Don moved with his parents Cyril and Margaret and his siblings to Coronation Gardens, just west of Brooklin, in 1946. There, he developed a lifelong love of gardening, a passion that would go on to enrich his community. In 1958, Don and his wife Aldine, who was his close companion for over 66 years, bought their first home in Brooklin's Meadowcrest subdivision. It was here that Don's warmth, humour, and boundless knowledge became a cornerstone of the community. The couple later moved to Way Street in the 1970s to make room for their growing family, one built on hard work, compassion, and a deep commitment to one another. Don launched Wick Printing in 1959, where he published The Brooklin Bulletin, a newspaper dedicated to local news that quickly became a valued staple in town. His work was never just about business; it was his way of bringing people together and giving voice to the community he loved. Wick Printing eventually evolved into a family sign business, now located in Whitby and managed by his sons Keith and Brian. Don's entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a chain of movie rental stores, including The Video Image and Video Superstore, located across Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes. In August 1982, just before the Bobcaygeon Fair, he decided to test the demand for movie rentals by raffling a VCR and five free rentals. By the following week, he had rented space, bought 120 Beta movies, and launched The Video Image. Within two months, a second store opened in Brooklin, marking the start of a 25-year venture with seven stores and dozens of employees. Beyond his business ventures, Don was a dedicated gardener and valued member of the Brooklin Whitby Garden Club, where he volunteered for over 60 years. Generous with his plants and time, he helped to build gardens at local landmarks like the library, post office, banks, churches, and the Legion. His commitment was recognized with awards such as the Brooklin Horticulture Past President Award (2004), Meritorious Service Award (2010), and Gardens of Canada - Year of the Garden Award (2022). As an active community member, Don served in the Fenelon Falls Horticultural Society,Ontario Water Garden Society, Ontario Delphinium Club, and as a founding member of the Communities In Bloom Steering Committee. Don also served on the Brooklin Downtown Development Steering Committee and was a past president (1976-77) of the Brooklin Agricultural Society, which hosts the annual Brooklin Spring Fair. Don is deeply missed by his dear wife Aldine, his sons Neil, Keith (Shirley), Brian (Mary), and Dale (Jillian), and his cherished grandchildren Jeffrey and Brooke, who carry forward his legacy of kindness and integrity. He is remembered with love by his sister Daphne (Desmond), his brothers Marshall (Linda) and Gordon (Anne), and many nieces and nephews. Don joins his predeceased siblings, Fern (Ted) and Frank (June). A devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a proud Brooklin resident, Don Wick leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew him.